Isn't the issue this: Android is touted as being more 'open' than iOS giving more choice to end users. This move reduces choice. If Android users want to deploy ad blocker why can't they, it's their choice of how they want to use their 'open' device.

According to Till Faida, co-founder of Adblock Plus,

"Google has crossed a red line by removing the app" and "is placing business interests ahead of user interests."

"Isn't Android an open system?" he asked. "We are not interfering with any other apps. We are providing choice. The user should be in charge of what services may access their device - not Google."